Pitbulls need around 30-45 minutes of exercise per day. Their energetic nature requires vigorous exercise paired with low-impact walking or games. Proper exercise is necessary for their overall physical and mental wellbeing.
How much exercise does a pitbull need and how do you know when enough is enough? That’s a great question and one that is highly debated in the bully community.
Physical exercise is a part of owning a pit bull but knowing how to do it right presents a unique challenge. Whether it’s hot or cold outside, this guide will help provide you with some inspiration.
How Do I Exercise My Pitbull?
All dogs need exercise. They need to move around, run around, stretch, and work out their muscles to grow big and strong.
Knowing proper exercises for pitbulls is important because there are a lot of hazardous suggestions out there and people that want to convince you to buy dangerous weight machines and vests that will hurt your bully.
Here are some of the best pitbull workout ideas that are safe, fun, and effective.
Best Pitbull Exercises to Build Muscle
In addition to cardio exercises your pitbull is a muscular breed who needs to work their tendons on a regular basis to keep them strong. While traditional dog exercise is usually good enough, there are a few things you can do to beef them up.
Also remember that your pit bull’s dog food plays an important role in building muscle. So it’s not just about exercise.
1. Spring Poles
Spring poles are basically a pole with a rope and something dangling from the end of it. You’ll find a lot of videos online of this being done in an extremely rough manner but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can use this to help your pitbull build neck and back muscles.
2. Weight Harnesses
Again, there’s a right and a wrong way to do everything. A weight harness can be a great way to help your pit bull build muscle as long as you’re doing it correctly and not pushing them too far.
Other Pitbull Workout Ideas
1. Running
Let’s keep it simple and start with the easiest one. Taking your pit bull for a run or even a brisk walk if you can’t run is low-impact but it does a lot more for their health than you know.
2. Fetch
Pitbulls love to play and this is a great way to get in some exercise while also stimulating their mind and tiring them out. Fetch can be done indoors or outdoors and you can use a number of different things to play. In fact, you don’t even need to go out and buy anything if you don’t want to. A stick you found in the yard will do just fine. This a classic game for any energetic dog.
3. Cycling
It’s important to ease into this one because not every dog can manage running next to a bike and they need to be properly leash trained before even entertaining this idea. But, if your pitbull can handle running beside you on the bike, this can be a great way to get a lot of exercise in for the two of you.
4. Agility Training
Running and chasing is instinct to your bully and you can combine elements of every training method in this one. Consider purchasing some cones and building an obstacle course. If you run through it a few times, they’ll catch on pretty quick and you can even compete against each other.
How Long Do Pitbulls Need to Be Walked?
You’ll want to walk your pitbull between 1-2 hours a day. It’s important to realize that bullies are an active breed when compared with other dogs. As a result they require consistent exercise each day for their mental and physical health. If you’re not around enough to commit to this, consider finding a dog walker. Pitbull owners have to realize their dogs don’t make good couch potatoes.
How Much Should Pitbulls Rest?
While pitbulls require a lot of exercise, they also get plenty of rest. An adult pitbull will sleep between 12-14 hours a day and can sleep more on top of that. Pitbull puppies sleep even longer.
Pitbulls do not typically sleep for long periods at a time with the exception of at night when everyone in the house is sleeping. They’re polyphasic sleepers so they’ll spend an average of 45 minutes sleeping at a time.
Can I Run with My Pitbull?
You can definitely run with your pitbull and they’ll most likely keep up with anyone. Running is a great way for them to get their exercise in and burn off some steam. Regular running with your pit bull makes a great addition for your exercise schedule as well as your pup’s.
How to Exercise a Pitbull Puppy
You do not want to exercise a pitbull puppy until they’re at least a year old. Puppies get enough exercise on their own without the need for an exercise routine.
Simply walking them, playing fetch, and wrestling around with them will give them the mental and physical stimulation they need to grow. Pair that with a good diet and they have everything they need.
How Much Mental Stimulation Do Pit Bulls Need?
Compared to other breeds, we would say that pitbulls are somewhere in the middle when it comes to how needy they are. Most pitbulls require around two hours of attention each day which can be factored into your exercise time as well.
How to Mentally Stimulate a Pitbull
There are a number of ways to mentally stimulate a pitbull from playing fetch, catch, running, swimming, or even grooming. No matter what, it’s all about connecting with your bully each day and letting them know how much you love them. There’s no right or wrong answer to this question!
There are many forms of mental exercise. Puzzle dog toys are great way to give your dog mental stimulation.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how much exercise pitbulls need but it’s important for dog owners to remember that quality versus quantity is important. Using the proper methods to train and exercise your pitbull will provide better results and prevent them from getting injured.
Be sure to take everything you read in this guide to heart and enjoy every minute you get to spend with your adorable pup! Remember to give your pit bull both physical and mental stimulation for their exercise!
